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26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Possibly the best introduction to Scarlatti (or Pletnev), 19 Sep 2003
These performances have had both their admirers and dismissers. I am one of the admirers (along with the editors of Grammophone who have given very high praise to this disc - since their opinion seems to matter to some).Pletnev's selection, among more than 500, of sonatas does provide a wide range (historically and stylistically) of the keyboard work of Scarlatti - the two disc set includes, for example, both K1 and K520. Most of the awe associated with Pletnev seems to have its source in his dazzling virtuosity. Therefore even those who might not have warmed to his interpretations of more recent composers (e.g., Beethoven, Chopin) might appreciate his approach to these works which, arguably, present more technical than interpretive difficulties. However, it should be added that certain idiosyncracies are not absent in Pletnev's interpretations of Scarlatti either, they add to, rather than distract from, the overall musical experience and since the occasional collector is unlikely to have multiple interpretations of piano (originally keyboard) works by Scarlatti (as opposed to those from Beethoven of Chopin) the idiosyncracies will not stand out as much. Overall, a fine selection, budget-price, no problems with the recorded sound, Pletnev's apparent ease in delivery provide a fine introduction to either Scarlatti (and the 2-disc set also provides an apt opportunity if you want to hear what the talk on Pletnev is about). Listening to this, one cannot help but wish for Pletnev to record more works from the baroque era.
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